Method and apparatus for a collapsible multi-compartment storage and display center

ABSTRACT

A storage rack formed form two or more multi bin storage subcomponents. In various embodiments, each storage subcomponent is made by cutting and creasing a large sheet, and the folding the large sheet along the creases. In one embodiment, each of the storage subcomponents are made from paperboard. In one embodiment, four subcomponents are interlocked and include a base adapted for rotation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/578,094 filed Jun. 8, 2004, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to the field of physical storage devices and particularly to those containing separate compartments vertically stacked with a rotational capability.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Storage units, such as bookshelves, can consume a large quantity of wall space. Additionally, storage racks do not always provide preferred storage options usable for organization. Further, storage racks are not always adapted to display contents stored. Finally, storage racks often require extensive assembly which can involve tools.

What is needed is a storage rack which is compact, which encourages organization and display of contents, and which is easy to assemble.

SUMMARY

The above-mentioned problems and others not expressly discussed herein are addressed by the present subject matter and will be understood by reading and studying this specification.

One embodiment of the present subject matter includes a storage system having a first storage rack having a first structure defined by a first continuous folded sheet defining a plurality of display bins arranged in a first column, and further defining a first female connector and a first male connector shaped to fit into the first female connector; a second storage rack having a second structure defined by a second continuous folded sheet defining a plurality of display bins arranged in a second column and further defining a second female connector and a second male connector shaped to fit into the second female connector; and a swivel base connected to the first and second storage racks; wherein the first storage rack and the second storage rack are interlocked, with the first male connector connected to the second female connector, such that the first column and the second column are parallel.

This Summary is an overview of some of the teachings of the present application and not intended to be an exclusive or exhaustive treatment of the present subject matter. Further details about the present subject matter are found in the detailed description and appended claims. Other aspects will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description and viewing the drawings that form a part thereof, each of which are not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a sheet with punches and scoring, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 1B shows a sheet with dimensioned excises and creases, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of multiple storage bins partially assembled, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 3 shows an assembly having multiple storage bins, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of multiple storage bins, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of the present subject matter refers to subject matter in the accompanying drawings which show, by way of illustration, specific aspects and embodiments in which the present subject matter may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. References to “an”, “one”, or “various” embodiments in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references contemplate more than one embodiment. The following detailed description is demonstrative and not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present subject matter is defined by the appended claims, along with the full scope of legal equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

FIG. 1A shows a sheet with excises and creases, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. In various embodiments, the sheet 100 is used to form a storage rack. The illustration shows solid lines representing areas where excises have occurred. The illustration additionally shows dashed lines representing areas where creases exist.

In various embodiments, the sheet 100 is folded into a storage rack. In one embodiment, the storage rack includes a plurality of compartments. In some embodiments, the compartments are arraigned in a vertical column. The vertical arrangement of the compartments allows for the display of stowed contents to storage rack users.

In various embodiments, multiple storage racks are interlocked. In some embodiments, one or more storage racks are connected to a rotational base. Various rotational bases allow for improved display options. For example, in one embodiment, four column shaped storage racks are interlocked in a parallel clover-leaf arrangement with a swiveling base disposed between the interlocked storage racks and a working surface such that a user can rotate the storage racks. This arrangement provides for easy display of contents stowed in any of the storage racks without the user having to walk.

In various embodiments, a sheet includes a back length panel 102, a cut-out side width panel 104, a front length panel 106 and a full-width side panel 108. In various embodiments, the back length panel 102 includes lock tab receiver holes 110. Additionally, in various embodiments, the back length panel 102 includes male connector 112. In various embodiments, the male connector is a T-lock, but the present subject matter is not so limited. Additionally, the locate and the gender of the connector may vary in different embodiments which fall within the scope of the present subject matter. The back panel 102, in various embodiments, includes a relief slot 114 which is used for half-folding along half-fold crease 128.

In various embodiments, cut-out side width panel 104 includes individualized cut outs for one or more bins, such as bin 118. In various embodiments, this allows for physical and visual accessibility to each bin compartment. Cut-out side width panel 104 additionally includes half-fold crease 128, in various embodiments.

Front length panel 106, in various embodiments, includes one or more bin bottom panels. Bin bottom panels, such as bin bottom pane 120 are illustrated for explanation. In various embodiments, bin bottom 120 includes a lock tab 122 which is adapted to lock the bin bottom into a lock tab slot 121. Additionally, in various embodiments, bin bottom 120 includes individualized thumb cuts 124 which aid in the assembly of the storage rack.

Full-width side panel 108, in various embodiments, includes a female connector 126. In various embodiments, the female connector is an opening. In various embodiments, the female connector is adapted to receive a male connector. In various embodiments, the male connector is a protrusion. In one embodiment, the female connector is sized to receive a T-lock style of connect. In various embodiments, female connector 126 is sized to receive a male connector shaped like the male connector 112. Additionally, in various embodiments, full-width side panel 108 includes half-fold crease 128. In various embodiments, half-fold crease 128 enables a glued sheet 100 to be half folded.

In various embodiments, panels 102, 104, 106 and 108 include a bottom flap 116. In various embodiments, the bottom flap 116 is mitred. Bottom flap 116, in various embodiments, is used for attachment of the sheet 100 to a swivel base.

The back length panel 102, in various embodiments, is folded 180 degrees on the lengthwise crease 130. Panel 108 shows one embodiment having an outside glue lap panel 132 to which glue is applied. In various embodiments, full-width panel 108 and glue lap 132 are folded 180 degrees on top of panel 102, creating an outside glue lap. In various embodiments, sheet 100 is fed through a folder/gluer machine which secures the glue lap 132 to panel 102.

In various embodiments, four storage racks are die-cut on a rotary die cutter. The die-cut blanks are then fed through a folder/gluer to complete the assembly. The material used is 275 lb. C-flute corrugated fiberboard, in various embodiments. Additional materials include plastic, corrugated board, chip board, etc.

In various embodiments, sheets 100 are made with standard cuts and folds typical of corrugated industry standards. In one embodiment, a completed storage rack assembly is constructed by unfolding and squaring up a sheet 100 into a storage rack. Additionally, for each storage rack, an inward bin bottom panel 120 is folded until lock tabs 122 are engaged into lock tab receiver holes 121. Additionally, for each storage rack, mitered bottom flaps 116 are prefolded inward for placement onto swivel base assembly 204.

In various embodiments, multiple storage racks are butted, positioning, for example, the male connectors of a first storage rack proximal the female connector of a second storage rack. The male connectors are then manipulated to mate with the female connectors. For example, in one embodiment, opposing T-locks are pushed through receiver holes and are then flattened on other side.

In various embodiments, assembled storage racks are placed on top of the swivel base. Various methods of attachment can be used, such as bolts, screws, staples, pressure sensitive tape, etc.

FIG. 1B shows a sheet with dimensioned excises and creases, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. Listed dimensions are in inches. In various embodiments, the sheet 100′ is used to form a storage rack. The illustration shows solid lines representing areas where excises have occurred. The illustration additionally shows dashed lines representing areas where creases exist.

In various embodiments, the sheet 100′ is folded into a storage rack. In one embodiment, the storage rack includes a plurality of compartments. In some embodiments, the compartments are arraigned in a vertical column. The vertical arrangement of the compartments allows for the display of stowed contents to storage rack users.

In various embodiments, multiple storage racks are interlocked. In some embodiments, one or more storage racks are connected to a rotational base. Various rotational bases allow for improved display options. For example, in one embodiment, four column shaped storage racks are interlocked in a parallel clover-leaf arrangement with a swiveling base disposed between the interlocked storage racks and a working surface such that a user can rotate the storage racks. This arrangement provides for easy display of contents stowed in any of the storage racks without the user having to walk.

In various embodiments, a sheet includes a back length panel 102′, a cut-out side width panel 104′, a front length panel 106′ and a full-width side panel 108′. In various embodiments, the back length panel 102′ includes lock tab receiver holes 110′. Additionally, in various embodiments, the back length panel 102′ includes male connector 112′. In various embodiments, the male connector is a T-lock, but the present subject matter is not so limited. Additionally, the locate and the gender of the connector may vary in different embodiments which fall within the scope of the present subject matter. The back panel 102′, in various embodiments, includes a relief slot 114′ which is used for half-folding along half-fold crease 128′.

In various embodiments, cut-out side width panel 104′ includes individualized cut outs for one or more bins, such as bin 118′. In various embodiments, this allows for physical and visual accessibility to each bin compartment. Cut-out side width panel 104′ additionally includes half-fold crease 128′, in various embodiments.

Front length panel 106′, in various embodiments, includes one or more bin bottom panels. Bin bottom panels, such as bin bottom pane 120′ are illustrated for explanation. In various embodiments, bin bottom 120′ includes a lock tab 122′ which is adapted to lock the bin bottom into a lock tab slot 121′. Additionally, in various embodiments, bin bottom 120′ includes individualized thumb cuts 124′ which aid in the assembly of the storage rack.

Full-width side panel 108′, in various embodiments, includes a female connector 126′. In various embodiments, the female connector is adapted to receive a male connector. In one embodiment, the female connector is sized to receive a T-lock style of connect. In various embodiments, female connector 126′ is sized to receive a male connector shaped like the male connector 112′. Additionally, in various embodiments, full-width side panel 108′ includes half-fold crease 128′. In various embodiments, half-fold crease 128′ enables a glued sheet 100′ to be half folded.

In various embodiments, panels 102′, 104′, 106′ and 108′ include a bottom flap 116. In various embodiments, the bottom flap 116′ is mitred. Bottom flap 116′, in various embodiments, is used for attachment of the sheet 100 to a swivel base.

The back length panel 102′, in various embodiments, is folded 180 degrees on the lengthwise crease 130′. Panel 108′ shows one embodiment having an outside glue lap panel 132′ to which glue is applied. In various embodiments, full-width panel 108′ and glue lap 132′ are folded 180 degrees on top of panel 102′, creating an outside glue lap. In various embodiments, sheet 100′ is fed through a folder/gluer machine which secures the glue lap 132′ to panel 102′.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of multiple storage bins partially assembled, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. In various embodiments, bin bottom panel 208 is folded inward so that lock tab 204 is engaged into lock tab receiver holes 206. This process is repeated for each of the bin compartment thereby creating individualized bins and one of the four completed storage racks 200. In various embodiments, folding of the bin bottoms occurs after the storage rack has been glued into assembled form.

In various embodiments, storage racks are assembled by pushing opposing male connector 210 into receiver hole 212. In various embodiments, four storage racks are assembled into a pin wheel shaped or clover-leaf shaped structure. In various embodiments, interlocking multiple storage racks provides stability to the entire structure.

In various embodiments, a storage assembly includes a base 204. In various embodiments, the base swivels. In various embodiments, the base 204 can be made of various materials. For purposes of this illustration, the swivel base is comprised of oriented strand board and a metal ball bearing swivel base which are interconnected with screws.

FIG. 3 shows an assembly having multiple storage bins, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. Storage rack assembly 300 can be attached to the swivel base assembly 302 by various methods such as pressure sensitive tape, screws, staples, etc.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of multiple storage bins, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The view shows that an assembly may include a void 500.

Some of the possible uses for the present invention would include but are not limited to commercial display applications, home-use organizational aid for garage, workshop, home office, laundry room, pantry, crafters and hobbyists, dormitory room storage, and anywhere fast retrieval and organization of items is necessary or desired.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application is intended to cover adaptations or variations of the present subject matter. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the present subject matter should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 

1. A storage system, comprising: a first storage rack having a first structure defined by a first continuous folded sheet defining a plurality of display bins arranged in a first column, and further defining a first female connector opening and a first male connector protrusion shaped to fit into the first female connector opening; a second storage rack having a second structure defined by a second continuous folded sheet defining a plurality of display bins arranged in a second column and further defining a second female connector opening and a second male connector protrusion shaped to fit into the second female connector opening; and a swivel base connected to the first and second storage racks; wherein the first storage rack and the second storage rack are interlocked, with the first male connector protrusion connected to the second female connector opening, such that the first column and the second column are parallel.
 2. The storage system of claim 1, comprised of a first, second, third and fourth storage rack.
 3. The storage system of claim 2, further comprising: a third storage rack having a third structure defined by a third continuous folded sheet defining a plurality of display bins arranged in a third column, and further defining a third female connector opening and a third male connector protrusion shaped to fit into the third female connector opening; a fourth storage rack having a fourth structure defined by a fourth continuous folded sheet defining a plurality of display bins arranged in a fourth column and further defining a fourth female connector opening and a fourth male connector protrusion shaped to fit into the fourth female connector opening; wherein the first, second, third, and fourth storage racks are interlocked, with the second male connector protrusion connected to the third female connector opening, the third male connector protrusion connected to the fourth female connector opening, and the fourth female connector opening connected to the first female connector opening.
 4. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the first and second storage racks are constructed of paperboard.
 5. The storage system of claim 4, wherein the first continuous folded sheet includes 275 lb. C-flute corrugated fiberboard.
 6. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the swivel base includes ball bearing disposed between a ground plate and a shelf plate, the shelf plate connected to the first and second storage racks with one or more fasteners.
 7. The storage system of claim 6, wherein the swivel base includes oriented strand board interconnected to a metal ball bearing swivel base with screws.
 8. A method, comprising: excising openings into a plurality of sheets; creasing the sheets; folding and squaring up each sheet of the plurality of sheets into a respective storage rack; folding at least one bin bottom panel of a first storage rack such that the bin bottom panel defines a storage bin; prefolding bottom flaps of the first storage rack into a splayed position; butting a plurality of storage racks together such that a male connector protrusion of the first storage rack is positioned proximal a female connector opening of a second storage rack; mating the male connector protrusion to the female connector opening such that the first storage rack and the second storage rack are interconnected; connecting bottom flaps of the first storage rack to a swivel base.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the first storage rack has a rectangular cross section.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the bottom flaps of the first storage rack are folded inward with respect to the rectangular cross section.
 11. The method of claim 8, further comprising gluing each sheet into a respective storage rack.
 12. The method of claim 8, further comprising affixing each sheet into a respective storage rack using pressure sensitive tape.
 13. The method of claim 8, further comprising screwing the swivel base to the bottom flaps of the first storage rack.
 14. The method of claim 8, further comprising attaching the swivel base to the bottom flaps of the first storage rack using pressure sensitive tape.
 15. The method of claim 8, wherein openings are die-cut into the plurality of sheets.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the openings are die-cut using a rotary die cutter.
 17. A storage system, comprising: a first sheet means for defining a first plurality of storage bins, a first female connector opening and a first male connector protrusion shaped to fit into the first female connector opening; a second sheet means for defining a second plurality of storage bins, a second female connector opening and a second male connector protrusion shaped to fit into the second female connector opening; and a swivel base connected to the first and second sheet means; wherein the first sheet means and the second sheet means are interlocked, with the first male connector protrusion connected to the second female connector opening.
 18. The storage system of claim 17, wherein the first and second sheet means are constructed of paperboard.
 19. The storage system of claim 18, wherein the first and second sheet means include 275 lb. C-flute corrugated fiberboard.
 20. The storage system of claim 17, wherein the swivel base includes ball bearing disposed between a ground plate and a shelf plate, the shelf plate connected to the first and second storage racks with one or more fasteners.
 21. The storage system of claim 20, wherein the swivel base includes oriented strand board interconnected to a metal ball bearing swivel base with screws. 